The Orientation of Czech Foreign and Security Policy: A Durable Atlantist?

Abstract

The aim of this dissertation is to investigate into the causes and the long term durability of Atlanticism in the Czech Republic. During the Iraq War the Czech Republic was labeled as part of ' "ew' Europe, a title given to all those states who sided with America over the European powers led by France and Germany . Over the past 6 years the Czech Republic has been subject to the process of Europeanization while major changes in the external environment have occurred. The research methods employed to answer the effect of these changes of the orientation of Czech Foreign and Security policy consisted of a wide review of the relevant literature, case studies and open ended interviews with policymakers and academics involved in the process. The findings of the research are that Czech Atlanticism is rooted in the nation's geo-political history but is also a strategic calculation on the part of Czech elites. However with a decline in Atlanticism has already begun to take place within Czech society as a result of decreased American interest in the CEE region and Russian activities in its near abroad. In conclusion current trends point to a future decline of Atlanticism in the Czech Republic the extent to which will be determined by four key variables, What type of EU emerges, which political party/coalition is in...